Hostility and anxiety reduction models were simultaneously tested in order to determine whether self-mutilation (SM) in adolescence was characterized by greater feelings of anxiety and hostility. Students who SM reported significantly more anxiety and more intropunitive and extrapunitive hostility. Prior to SM feelings of both hostility and anxiety were described. Results are discussed with reference to both theoretical models. (Contains 23 references, 3 tables, and 2 appendixes.)